Frequently Asked Questions

For your convenince we provide a list of our funeral and related services in PDF format. You will find our prices very competitive for comparable services. Click here to view funeral service fees and cremation service fees on our General Price List, as required by Federal Law.

Passengers are allowed to carry a crematory container as part of their carry-on luggage, but the container must pass through the X-ray machine. If the container is made of a material that generates an opaque image and prevents the Transportation Security Officer from clearly being able to see what is inside, then the container cannot be allowed through the security checkpoint.

Out of respect to the deceased and their family and friends, under no circumstances will an officer open the container even if the passenger requests this be done. Documentation from the funeral home is not sufficient to carry a crematory container through security and onto a plane without screening.

You may transport the urn as checked baggage provided that it is successfully screened. The urn will be screened for explosive materials/devices using a variety of techniques; if cleared, it will be permitted as checked baggage only.

Some airlines do not allow cremated remains as checked baggage so please check with your air carrier before attempting to transport a crematory container in checked baggage.

Crematory containers are made from many different types of materials, all with varying thickness. At present, we cannot state for certain whether your particular crematory container can successfully pass through an X-ray machine. However, we suggest that you purchase a temporary or permanent crematory container made of a lighter weight material such as wood or plastic that can be successfully X-rayed, to ensure no challenges at the gate.

This often-asked question is also usually answered by saying, “It all depends.” It depends upon what type of goods and services you desire as there are many factors that go into determining an exact cost. Some of those factors include but are not limited to the type of casket, the type of our burial container, if required, the location of the service, family transportation, bereavement meals, etc., etc. Also, when determining the cost of a funeral, there are a couple of other factors to consider: One, for those families choosing burial there is the cost of the grave and the cost to open and close the grave. Or if you choose a mausoleum tomb there is the cost of the crypt and the cost to open and close the crypt. Two, cash advanced items–which are monies that families often ask the funeral director to pay others, as a courtesy, on the family’s behalf. These might include, but are not limited to-flowers, paid obituaries, death certificates, marker dates as well as honorariums to preachers, musicians, and hairdressers. Thus, in order to determine a precise, to the penny figure, many questions would need to be answered.

This often-asked question is usually answered by saying, “It all depends.” It depends upon what type of goods and services you desire as there are potentially many factors that go into determining an exact cost. Some of those factors include but are not limited to the type of cremation container, the type of urn, the type of public service, if desired, bereavement meals, family transportation, etc., etc. Also, when determining the cost of a cremation, there are a couple of other factors to consider: Cash advanced items-which are monies that families often ask the funeral director to pay to others, as a courtesy, on the family’s behalf. These might include, but are not limited to-flowers, paid obituaries, death certificates, marker dates as well as honorariums to preachers, musicians, and hairdressers. Thus, in order to determine a precise, to the penny figure, many questions would need to be answered. However, if you asked, what does direct cremation cost (no viewing), that amount is $990 as of May 20, 2019.

Every funeral home is mandated by the Federal Trade Commission (FTC) to disclose to everyone who inquires about embalming that embalming is not required by law, except in certain cases. Those exceptions might include when transporting the deceased over the state line or to another country, if the deceased is to be held for a certain period of time or if the person has a reportable contagious disease. In addition, most funeral homes (like Mullins Memorial) have a policy that if the family is planning for a public visitation with the casket opened, then they will require that embalming is done. Families usually have the right to choose an arrangement which does not require embalming, such as direct cremation or immediate burial (usually within 48 hours after death). When embalming is not done, and there is an immediate burial, many funeral homes will allow for a short viewing of the deceased just for the immediate family. One final note: Funeral homes are required to receive oral or written permission to embalm in which there would be a charge.

In “The Principles And Practices Of Embalming” it states: The primary duty of the embalmer is to disinfect, preserve, and restore the dead reverently and efficiently so that the health of the public will be protected against disease, the grief of the survivors will be lessened, and the dignity of the dead will be maintained. To expand upon that answer…

  • To disinfect so that if a person dies with a contagious disease, the disease might be neutralized and not be a health risk factor for family or friends who come in close proximity to the deceased during the visitation and funeral.
  • To preserve by often slowing down the natural decomposition process providing an extended period of time between death and the final disposition (e.g. burial) allowing time for a dignified funeral service.
  • To restore by often enhancing the person’s appearance as opposed to how they might have looked at death.
  • If a person dies at a hospital or a nursing home, when those facilities are ready, the facility will call the funeral home. We invite the families call as well.
  • If a person dies at home and is under hospice care, the family should call hospice first. After they arrive, the hospice nurse will call the funeral home.
  • If a person dies at home and they are not under hospice care, 911 should be contacted first. First responders at the scene will call the funeral home.
  • If a person dies under tragic circumstances (e.g. car accident, murder, etc.,), you should call 911. We invite the families call as well.
  • If a person dies away from home (e.g. in another state), the above information would still be accurate.
  • If a person dies outside of the U.S., you should contact their local law enforcement officials to determine the next course of action. The US Consulate would be involved in this process, which we are versed in.

Personalizing a loved one’s funeral, memorial service or celebration of life service means that you are making decisions that will reflect the life and essence of your loved one and help cement the legacy of that person. Most, want this to be a lasting and final tribute that will stand the test of time, for all to remember and cherish. Whomever they were to your or others, means that they will always be that and this is the way that we pay tribute to that person’s life. Funerals and memorial services should not be “cookie-cutter” but they should, in some small but meaningful fashion, tell the story of one’s life.

Here are a few ways people personalize their funerals or memorial services: Certain music played; Who to speak at the service; Type of clothing for the deceased; pallbearers selected; items to place in and around the casket; Favorite Bible verse or poem for memorial folders; favorite auto displayed at the service site; photos of the deceased in every aspect of life; favorite memorabilia on display such as fishing rods or golf clubs or even a motorcycle. This list is not meant to be all inclusive but serve only as a guide to assist. Ultimately, there is no right or wrong way to handle the personalization as long as the family is in agreement and it is in done in good taste.

  • Do go. There is almost nothing more comforting to a family than people showing up to pay their respects and love on them. It validates that a life has been lived and the life touched others.
  • Do introduce yourself.
  • Do say something like, “I’m so sorry.” or “I respected your father.” or “I’ll miss your grandmother.” or “Your sister was so good to me.” Honest comments are received the best.
  • Do offer the family any assistance you may give. Be specific.
  • Do view the deceased, if you feel comfortable. In most cases, it is emotionally healthy to see the deceased lying in the casket.
  • Do bring children, unless their presence is a harmful distraction.
  • Do send flowers, bring food, or make a donation to the family’s designated charity or memorial fund, if you choose.
  • Do sign the register book.
  • Don’t be afraid to embrace the family with a hug or handshake.
  • Don’t give advice, unless the family asks.
  • Don’t be too quick to give pious platitudes like “It’s all for the best” or “I know how you feel” or “It must have been God’s will” or “At least she is not suffering anymore.”
  • Don’t ask what the cause of death was.
  • Don’t call to talk to the family during visitation, unless you are out-of-town.
  • Don’t be in a rush. Take time to reminisce about the deceased, listen, and spend time with the family….unless the line is long.

This list is not meant to be all inclusive and in today’s world there is always a unique situation or scenario that may arise. Please feel free to ask for our opinion or guidance. We will be happy to help.

Mullins Memorial’s hours of business is Monday through Friday, 9 AM to 5 PM. And Saturday, 9 AM to 1:00 PM.
We are also available any other time of the day or day of the week, by appointment.
Our telephones are answered 24 hours a day by a real person.
We are prepared to respond to an unexpected or expected need at any time, night or day.